2026 Freedom Celebration 5K Race and Youth Run

Sat, Jul 4, 2026, 9:05 AM CDT

Location: Champaign, IL; Kirby Avenue, Between State Farm Center and Gies Memorial Stadium., 61821
Type: RUN

At a glance

Celebrate freedom and support a local cause with a July 4th 5K and youth run in Champaign, featuring awards and a welcoming course.

Fun
Competitive
Festive
For a Cause

Great for

For a Cause
Kids & Youth

Join the Freedom Celebration 5K Race and Youth Run in Champaign, IL, on July 4th. This event offers a 5K run/walk and a dedicated youth fun run, starting and finishing on Kirby Avenue. All proceeds directly support the Champaign County Freedom Celebration, making your participation a meaningful way to contribute. Runners can look forward to a well-supported course with two water stations and competitive awards for top finishers across various age groups. It's a wonderful opportunity for the whole family to celebrate and run for a cause.

What to expect

Run or walk an out-and-back 5K course along Kirby and Florida Avenues.
Find support with two water stations along the route.
Kids can enjoy a separate, untimed youth fun run.

Standout details

Supports Champaign County Freedom Celebration
July 4th holiday event
Awards for top finishers and age groups
Dedicated youth fun run

Auto-drafted from the public listing — confirm details on the official event page before signing up.

Distances & registration

3 options

Registration for all distances is through the official signup link above.

1K
Sat, Jul 4, 8:30 AM CDT · From $11.60
Opens Mar 31, 2026, 8:00 PM CDT · Closes Jul 4, 2026, 4:45 AM CDT
5K
Sat, Jul 4, 9:05 AM CDT · From $32.80
Opens Mar 31, 2026, 8:00 PM CDT · Closes Jul 4, 2026, 4:45 AM CDT
5K
Sat, Jul 4, 9:05 AM CDT · From $32.80
Opens Mar 31, 2026, 8:00 PM CDT · Closes Jul 4, 2026, 4:45 AM CDT

Vibe Check

Steady Effort

warm-day exposure

Warm season

The course

Flat
Family-oriented

From the organizer

The Youth Run course will be along Kirby Avenue.

The 5K Run/Walk course is an out and back. It starts and finishes on Kirby Avenue between the State Farm Center and Gies Memorial Stadium. The race heads east on Kirby/Florida Avenues, north on Lincoln Avenue to approximately West California Avenue and back to the finish line on Kirby Avenue. There will be two water stations. All proceeds go to support the Champaign County Freedom Celebration.

Packet pick-up will be at the following locations, days, and times: Body 'n Sole Sports, 1317 N. Dunlap Avenue, Savoy, IL on Friday, July 3rd from Noon to 6:00 PM. Start and finish area (between Gies Memorial Stadium and State Farm Center) Saturday, July 4th starting at 7:15 AM - 8:45 A.

Registration is through this website ONLY and will end promptly at 8:45 AM on July 4th.

There will be no paper sign-up. No cash or checks will be accepted at any time. Payment through website only.

Awards will be presented to the overall male and female winners, and to the top three male and female finishers in the following age groups: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over and the top 5 walkers. THE WINNER OR A FRIEND MUST BE PRESENT TO RECEIVE YOUR AWARD WHEN THEY ARE ANNOUNCED. THE AWARDS WILL NOT BE MAILED OR DELIVERED. Race day parking will be on the EAST SIDE of State Farm Center, Lots E5 and F5 . Enter and exit the parking area from Fourth St. For the Youth run an adult will be allowed to run with each youth. The adult does NOT have to register for this event . The Youth Run is a fun run, no bibs will be given and no packet pick up is needed. To purchase a shirt, you must register by midnight June 24th and pay the additional fee. No additional shirts will be available. There will be a price increase on June 25th.

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